Collector Car Market Transformed by Younger Buyers and Online Auctions
DETROIT, Mich. — The collector car market is undergoing a significant transformation as younger buyers increasingly drive demand for modern supercars, and online auctions continue their rapid growth. According to recent data from Hagerty, a leading automotive data and insurance company, online auctions sold over 50,000 collector vehicles in 2025, marking a 6% increase compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, live auction sales remained steady at approximately 21,000 vehicles, highlighting a clear shift in how enthusiasts are buying and selling classic cars.
Hagerty’s analysis, which examined auction sales, buyer demographics, and high-end transactions worldwide, underscores a generational handoff reshaping the collector car landscape. Kenneth Ahn, president of Hagerty Marketplace, explained that while the overall global collector car auction market has remained relatively flat in total transaction value since 2022, the composition of sales is evolving rapidly. “One of the biggest changes,” Ahn noted, “is the growing demand for newer collectible vehicles, particularly modern supercars and ‘youngtimer’ models from the 1980s through the early 2000s.”
This trend is evident in the record-setting sales seen in the United States last year. The highest-priced transaction was a 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3, which sold for an astounding $26 million, followed closely by a 1961 Ferrari 250 California SWB at $25.3 million. These figures illustrate how newer models like the Ferrari F40 and F50, Maserati MC12, and Pagani Huayra are gaining prominence among collectors, often commanding top dollar alongside rare classic cars.
Hagerty data also reveals that the average age of cars selling for over $1 million at auction has dropped by nearly 12 years over the past five years, signaling a shift in collector preferences toward more recent vehicles. This evolving market dynamic is reshaping the traditional notion of classic car collecting, blending nostalgia with a fascination for cutting-edge automotive engineering.
The rise of online auctions is another critical factor driving change. With more than 50,000 vehicles sold online in 2025, up 6% from the year before, digital platforms are becoming the preferred venue for many buyers and sellers. This growth contrasts with the flat volume of live auctions, which have held steady but not expanded. The convenience, broader reach, and real-time bidding capabilities of online auctions are attracting a younger, tech-savvy demographic eager to participate in the collector car market.
Experts point out that this shift has broader implications for the automotive and auction industries. The increased interest in modern supercars and youngtimer models is influencing how dealers, insurers, and auction houses approach valuation and marketing strategies. For those interested in tracking these developments, the Hagerty Marketplace offers detailed insights and data.
Collectors looking to understand the evolving landscape can also refer to resources from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which provides regulatory context for vehicle classifications, and the Internal Revenue Service, which offers guidance on taxation related to vehicle sales and auctions. Additionally, the USA.gov portal provides comprehensive information on consumer protections and legal considerations when purchasing vehicles online.
As the collector car market continues to evolve, blending the allure of vintage classics with the excitement of modern engineering, it is clear that the next generation of enthusiasts is reshaping the industry. The surge in online auctions and the growing appetite for newer supercars signal a dynamic future for collectors and sellers alike.
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